Dylan Hartley has urged England to prove they remain a force on the global stage despite successive defeats to Scotland and France.

Ireland visit Twickenham on Saturday knowing they are one victory away from securing the third Grand Slam in their history a week after deposing Eddie Jones’ men as Six Nations champions.

The embarrassment of a fifth-place finish is the fate that awaits England if they endure a third loss and results elsewhere conspire against them, thereby registering their worst ever performance in the northern hemisphere tournament since the expansion to six teams.

While England are in danger of unravelling – Wales coach Warren Gatland has cheekily suggested they could be in the midst of a six-match losing sequence given their looming tour to South Africa – Twickenham will provide reassurance on Saturday.

Jones has won all 14 Tests over which he has presided at the home of England rugby and the ground has not been stormed in the Six Nations since 2012.

“It’s a big game for both teams – one team going for the Grand Slam and we want to play well in front of our crowd of 82,000 people,” Jones said.

“This is a great opportunity to finish what has been a fantastic Six Nations. Ireland are worthy champions of the competition, but we are out there to prove that we are still a very, very good team. We will prove that on Saturday.”

This happens up and down all the countries in the 6 Nations - it's called humour. Never serious, just gentle digs. https://t.co/cVTd0QNe0Q I know he is in a public position, but surely we all see this for what it is?? SURELY !!!!

Overshadowing the build-up to the 133rd meeting between rivals has been the emergence of offensive comments made by Jones in Japan last year.

Footage in which England’s head coach is seen referring to Ireland as the “scummy Irish” and Wales as a “little s*** country” during a talk on leadership has caused a temporary storm, but Jones denies he has unwittingly supplied Saturday’s opponents with their team talk.

“Having been in a position ourselves of going for the Grand Slam, I think the Grand Slam is enough motivation,” he said.